CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — UPDATE: Daniel Adame's defense attorney, Chris Waller, has provided a possible motive in the July 30 incident that led to the arrest of his client.
According to Waller, on July 30, John Eric Martinez and Adame exchanged words outside of the Checkout store on Weber and South Padre Island Drive. The two men did not know each other Waller said.
When Adame walked into the store, Martinez waited for him outside the door. Waller said as Adame walked out of the store, Martinez began attacking his client, continuously punching him as Adame tried getting into his car.
Once Adame got to his car, he pulled out a gun and fired. According to Waller, Martinez kept on punching Adame and told him he was going to kill him. So, Adame got in his car and drove away.
According to Waller, Adame called 911 and told them what happened. He told the 911 dispatcher that he didn't know if he had shot Martinez. So, the dispatcher told him to pull over immediately and wait for police.
"He (Adame) was fearing for his life," Waller said, "He did not know if he had shot him."
According to Waller, Adame thought that Martinez was "high."
Earlier, Adame appeared in court this morning.
Police say the 23-year-old Adame fatally shot 23-year old Martinez outside of the convenience store.
A hearing was held this morning for Adame in the 117th District Court. Adame is facing a murder charge and his bond originally was set at $1 million.
During this morning's hearing, Adame told Judge Sandra Watts his family didn't have enough money to make his current bond. He said he had some money saved but needed his bond to be reduced to $25,000. Adame said he was taking a summer class at Del Mar College and needed to return to class. Adame also said he had been accepted into the school's nursing program which begins on Aug. 26.
In the end, Judge Watts determined he wasn't a flight risk and instead reduced his bond to $50,000. The judge told Adame if he makes bond, he must live with his parents, adhere to a curfew and must report to a pre-trial officer once a week. Watts also ordered him not to contact any witnesses in the case or the victim's family and friends.
Adame was arrested after police say Adame shot Martinez after they got into an argument outside of the Checkout store. Martinez was taken to a hospital where he later died.
Adame went to a nearby church and called 911 to turn himself in.
